D.C. United's Academy offers opportunities to continue development in the offseason

Winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean playing soccer has to stop. D.C. United offers winter camps and training programs for players interested in keeping their skills sharp. Winter camps start Dec. 7 and run thru March 7 at three different locations across Maryland and Virginia. Training programs are held at D.C. United’s Training Complex near RFK stadium from Feb 2 thru March 9. Participants are able to practice, train and play against other players from across the region.

Over 20 current Pre-Academy and Developmental Academy players have participated in D.C. United winter camps and training programs. “They taught us dynamic warm ups, academy drills, and we had small sided and full sized scrimmages at the training programs,” said D.C. United U-12 pre-academy player Ryan Espinosa who has participated in three training programs. Graham Bright, a D.C. United U-13 pre-academy player and two-time training program attendee said, “I liked the professional atmosphere of the program. Everyone was focused on working hard and improving their skills.”

“The training program is the best training that I have received,” said D.C. United U-12 pre-academy player and four-time training program attendee Ethan Bayer. “Participating in the training sessions gave me the familiarity and confidence to make the U-12 pre-academy team this year.”

D.C. United is offering winter camps at indoor facilities at API in Gambrillis, Md., nZone in Chantilly, Va., and at the Capitol Sportplex in Glenn Dale, Md. Winter camps are coed from 6-10, boys 11-16 and training programs are open to boys age 9-13. Register today to secure your spot in D.C. United’s winter camps and training programs. It sure beats trying to kick the soccer ball through three feet of snow.